Hemkund Sahib is one of the most sacred Sikh
shrines in India. Check out travel and tourism in Hemkund Sahib,
Uttarakhand.

Hemkund Sahib

Hemkund
Sahib is the holiest shrines of Sikhs in India. It is located at high
altitudes amidst snow covered lofty peaks of Himalayas in the state of
Uttarakhand. This panoramic site is flanked by a serene Lake called
Hemkund. On the banks of this lake is situated a Gurudwara, dedicated to
the tenth Guru of Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh. The natural beauty of the
place is simply awe-inspiring as the glacial lake is surrounded by seven
soaring peaks, giving a boost to the travel and tourism industry.

Regarding the origin of the place, it is believed that Sikh Guru, Guru
Gobind Singh performed penance her in his previous birth and united with
the Almighty. The evidence for the same is found in his autobiographical
poem 'Bichittar Natak'. Moreover, there is also a Hindu temple by the
name Lakshman Temple here. Regarding this temple it is said that
Lakshman, the younger brother of Ram performed penance here. Thus,
Hemkund Sahib became a venerated spot for both Hindu and Sikh devotees.

Hemkund Sahib is inaccessible by road, as only a steep trek path leads
to this wondrous spot. For reaching here, the first spot is Gobindghat,
which is well linked by roads. From Gobindghat, there is a maintained 13
km trek path up to Gobinddham or Ghangaria. From here, there is another
6 km of stone paved path to be covered to reach Hemkund. The journey to
Hemkund Sahib remains suspended during the winter months and the
trekking path is mended just before the tourist season, by the earliest
Sikh pilgrims themselves.

This is done as a form of Kar seva. Though it is not quite easy to
reach Hemkund, yet hundreds of devotees throng the heavenly Hemkund
Sahib, every year. The pristine waters of the lake and the majestic
sight of the Gurudwara transports one to the heights of divinity.
Moreover, the trek to this point is dotted with pine forests packed with
rhododendron (burans), wild roses, ferns and alpine flowers. Thus, a
visit to Hemkund Sahib is truly an unforgettable experience.